Smoky Air Fryer BBQ Riblets Recipe
Tender, smoky, and finger-licking good, these Air Fryer BBQ Pork Riblets are everything you love about classic ribs but made faster and easier.
With a simple seasoning rub and a sticky barbecue glaze, the air fryer transforms riblets into juicy bites with caramelized edges in just 30 minutes.
Perfect for any game day, tailgating setup, backyard gatherings, or a fun weeknight dinner, these riblets will be a hit!
Sure to become a family-friendly favorite that delivers all the flavor of slow-cooked ribs without the long wait. Grab the full recipe below!
Recipe Ingredients
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¾ cup water
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1 lb. bone-in St. Louis pork sparerib portions (cut 1–1½ inches thick)
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1 tablespoon Kansas City-style barbecue seasoning rub (or homemade BBQ seasoning, see note)
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Canola oil cooking spray
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⅔ cup barbecue sauce, bottled and heated
Air Fryer BBQ Pork Riblets Instructions
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Preheat the air fryer.
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Place water in the bottom of the air fryer pan, beneath the basket.
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Preheat to 350°F according to manufacturer’s directions.
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Prepare and season the riblets.
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Cut rib portions between the bones into 1–1½-inch pieces.
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Place in a large bowl and sprinkle with barbecue seasoning. Toss to coat evenly.
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Lightly spray with cooking spray and toss again.
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Air fry the riblets.
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Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray.
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Arrange rib pieces in a single layer. Spray tops with cooking spray.
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Cook for 6 minutes, then shake the basket or turn with tongs. Spray lightly again.
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Continue cooking for 12 minutes, shaking halfway through.
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Glaze with barbecue sauce.
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Brush riblets with some of the barbecue sauce.
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Cook for 1–2 minutes, until the sauce caramelizes slightly.
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Transfer riblets to a bowl and toss with remaining sauce.
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Let rest for 3–5 minutes before serving.
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Optional Homemade BBQ Seasoning.
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In a small bowl, combine 2 tsp. packed dark brown sugar, ¾ tsp. smoked paprika, ½ tsp. garlic salt, and ⅛ tsp. black pepper.
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Yields 1 Tbsp.
Tips for Perfect BBQ Pork Riblets
Add water: The water in the air fryer pan keeps the riblets moist as they cook.
Season well: Use a bold rub for maximum flavor.
Finish with sauce: Brushing on the sauce at the end gives that irresistible sticky glaze.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer BBQ Pork Riblets Recipe
These riblets deliver big barbecue flavor in a fraction of the time. The air fryer ensures they cook evenly, with tender meat and just the right amount of char. Tossed in a rich BBQ sauce, they’re the ultimate no-fuss comfort food that feels special but is easy enough for any night of the week.
Additional Tips
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Pairing Ideas: Serve these riblets with classic barbecue sides like creamy coleslaw, cornbread, or potato salad. For a lighter option, pair with grilled vegetables or a crisp garden salad. They’re also great with baked beans or mac and cheese for a hearty meal.
- Variations: Switch up the flavor by trying a Carolina-style mustard barbecue sauce, a spicy chipotle glaze, or a sweet honey-garlic sauce. You can also experiment with different dry rubs – smoky, spicy, or even herb-forward blends all work beautifully.
Explore More Delicious Pork Recipes
Ready to keep the flavor going? Check out more ways to make pork the star of your next meal:
From quick weeknight dinners to weekend favorites, MN Pork has the recipes to make your menu unforgettable.
